Magnetic tape reel, tape cartridge using the same, recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing information in the tape cartridge, information recording and reproducing method thereof, and positioning mechanism

ABSTRACT

A magnetic tape reel that has a plurality of gear teeth capable of engaging with a plurality of engagement gear teeth provided with a reel engaging portion of a recording and reproducing apparatus and upon which magnetic tape can be wound, comprising: a hub portion including a cylindrical portion upon which the magnetic tape can be wound and the plurality of gear teeth; and a positioning portion composed of at least one of a recess and a protrusion and provided for aligning a specific gear tooth from the plurality of gear teeth with a specific engagement gear tooth from the plurality of engagement gear teeth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a magnetic tape reel, a tape cartridge using the same, a recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing information in the tape cartridge, and an information recording and reproducing method thereof, as well as a positioning mechanism for engaging a reel engaging portion of the recording and reproducing apparatus with the magnetic tape reel.

2. Description of Related Art

FIG. 21 is a cross-section illustrating the internal structure of a conventional tape cartridge, and FIG. 22 is a plan view illustrating the interior of the tape cartridge shown in FIG. 21. Note that a first container 101 b, of which a case 101 shown in FIG. 21 is configured, has been omitted from FIG. 22.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, a magnetic tape reel 102 (called simply a “reel” hereinafter) that has an upper flange and a lower flange is housed within the case 101 in a rotatable state. The reel 102 is biased in the upward direction in FIG. 21 by a compression coil spring 128 that acts via a shaft 127. In order to run magnetic tape 103, first, a plurality of engagement gear teeth provided with a reel engaging portion 108 of a recording and reproducing apparatus are engaged with a plurality of gear teeth provided with the reel 102. The engagement gear teeth for engaging with predetermined gear teeth are not stipulated among the plurality of gear teeth, and the engagement gear teeth that engage with the stated predetermined gear teeth differ each time the reel engaging portion 108 and the reel 102 engage.

Next, the reel 102 is lifted toward the first container 101 a by the reel engaging portion 108. The reel 102 is then rotated at a position slightly distanced from a second container 101 b. When the reel 102 is rotated, the magnetic tape 103 is wound upon the reel 102 or let out from the reel 102. As shown in FIG. 22, a metallic lead member 106 is affixed to the end of the tape that is let out. When the tape cartridge is loaded into a receiving portion of the recording and reproducing apparatus, the lead member 106 is caught by a lead member catching portion of the recording and reproducing apparatus, after which the magnetic tape 103 is pulled out and the lead member 106 is attached to a drive reel. In this manner, the magnetic tape 103 is supplied to a drive system in the recording and reproducing apparatus that includes a guide roller 104 (for example, see JP 2006-085745A).

There are anywhere from several tens to several hundreds of both the plurality of engagement gear teeth in the reel engaging portion and the plurality of gear teeth provided with the reel corresponding to the engagement gear teeth. It is extremely difficult to form all of the engagement gear teeth and gear teeth with precision. If the shape of each engagement gear tooth and each gear tooth is actually measured, a formation error of several tens of microns to several hundred microns can be confirmed with respect to, for example, the height and angle of the sloped surfaces of the teeth. As a result of the presence of this formation error, when the reel engaging portion and the reel are in an engaged state, the reel tilts in an arbitrary direction, or the position of the reel within the case differs slightly each time it is engaged with the reel engaging portion. This leads to instability in the running position of the magnetic tape, instability in the winding position of the tape upon the reel, and so on, which in turn makes it more likely that, for example, the edge of the tape will come into contact with the upper flange or the lower flange. If the edge of the tape comes into contact with a flange, there is the chance that the tape will be damaged, such as the edge of the tape being folded, which increases the likelihood of errors occurring during loading and so on.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, with the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide, with respect to the repeated engagement of a reel engaging portion and a reel, a reel capable of suppressing instability in the attitude, position, and the like of the reel when the reel engaging portion and the reel are engaged, a tape cartridge that uses such a reel, a recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing information in the tape cartridge, an information recording and reproducing method for the recording and reproducing apparatus, and a positioning mechanism for engaging the reel engaging portion of the recording and reproducing apparatus with the magnetic tape reel.

The magnetic tape reel of the present invention is a magnetic tape reel that has a plurality of gear teeth capable of engaging with a plurality of engagement gear teeth provided with a reel engaging portion of a recording and reproducing apparatus and upon which magnetic tape can be wound, and comprises: a hub portion including a cylindrical portion upon which the magnetic tape can be wound and the plurality of gear teeth; and a positioning portion composed of at least one of a recess and a protrusion and provided for aligning a specific gear tooth from the plurality of gear teeth with a specific engagement gear tooth from the plurality of engagement gear teeth.

The tape cartridge of the present invention comprises: the magnetic tape reel of the present invention; magnetic tape wound upon the magnetic tape reel; and a case that has a space for housing the magnetic tape reel and the magnetic tape and that has an opening portion that enables the plurality of gear teeth of the magnetic tape reel to be exposed to the exterior of the case.

The recording and reproducing apparatus of the present invention is a recording and reproducing apparatus for recording information onto and reproducing information from the tape cartridge of the present invention, and comprises: a receiving portion that allows the tape cartridge to be housed; a magnetic head unit capable of recording information onto the magnetic tape and reproducing information that has been recorded onto the magnetic tape; a reel engaging portion that has a plurality of engagement gear teeth capable of engaging with the plurality of gear teeth provided with the magnetic tape reel; a corresponding positioning portion provided with the reel engaging portion and capable of fitting or coupling with the positioning portion of the magnetic tape reel; a rotary machine capable of rotating the reel engaging portion; a rotational shaft disposed between the reel engaging portion and the rotary machine, capable of transmitting rotational movement caused by the rotary machine to the reel engaging portion, and supported by the rotary machine so as to be capable of elevating and descending; and a biasing portion that biases the reel engaging portion toward the reel. The corresponding positioning portion is provided with the reel engaging portion such that the specific gear tooth and the specific engagement gear tooth engage when the corresponding positioning portion and the positioning portion are fitted or coupled to each other.

The information recording and reproducing method of the present invention is an information recording and reproducing method for recording information onto and reproducing information from the tape cartridge of the present invention, and comprises the steps of: engaging the specific gear tooth with the specific engagement gear tooth by fitting or coupling the positioning portion with the corresponding positioning portion; and recording information onto the magnetic tape or reproducing information that has been recorded onto the magnetic tape.

The positioning mechanism of the present invention is a positioning mechanism for engaging a specific engagement gear tooth from a plurality of engagement gear teeth provided with a reel engaging portion of a recording and reproducing apparatus with a specific gear tooth from a plurality of gear teeth provided with a magnetic tape reel upon which magnetic tape can be wound. The magnetic tape reel includes a positioning portion composed of at least one of a recess and a protrusion; the reel engaging portion includes a corresponding positioning portion composed of at least one of a recess and a protrusion that can fit or couple with the positioning portion; and the specific engagement gear tooth and a specific gear tooth engage by the positioning portion and the corresponding positioning portion fitting or coupling with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a tape cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-section of the tape cartridge illustrated in FIG. 1, as viewed along the I-I′ line.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a reel of which the tape cartridge illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the reel of which the tape cartridge illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the reel of which the tape cartridge illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of a drive shaft of which an example of a recording and reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a reel and the state of aligning the reel with a corresponding reel engaging portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a reel and the state of aligning the reel with a corresponding reel engaging portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of a reel and the state of aligning the reel with a corresponding reel engaging portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a frontal schematic diagram of another example of a reel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface of the reel illustrated in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a frontal schematic diagram of another example of a reel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface of the reel illustrated in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a frontal schematic view of another example of a drive shaft of which an example of a recording and reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured.

FIG. 13A is a frontal schematic diagram of another example of a reel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface of the reel illustrated in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is a frontal schematic diagram of another example of a reel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface of the reel illustrated in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A is a frontal schematic diagram of another example of a reel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15B is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface of the reel illustrated in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of a reel and the state of aligning the reel with a corresponding reel engaging portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of a reel and the state of aligning the reel with a corresponding reel engaging portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the recording and reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information recording and reproducing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 20A through 20E are schematic diagrams illustrating reels and the state of aligning the reel with a reel engaging portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a cross-section illustrating an example of a conventional tape cartridge.

FIG. 22 is a plan view illustrating the interior structure of the conventional tape cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of illustrative embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1

Embodiment 1 shall describe an example of a magnetic tape reel and an example of a tape cartridge that uses the magnetic tape reel, according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of the tape cartridge according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-section of the tape cartridge illustrated in FIG. 1, as viewed along the I-I′ line. Although in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first container 2 a is illustrated as being located below a second container 2 b for ease of explanation, it should be noted that the cartridge is typically used in a state in which the first container 2 a is located above the second container 2 b.

A tape cartridge 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes, as shown in FIG. 2, a case 2 and magnetic tape 6 (also sometimes referred to simply as “tape 6” hereinafter) housed within the case 2. The case 2 is formed by aligning the first container 2 a and the second container 2 b so that an internal space is formed therebetween, and then fastening the containers to one another using screws or the like. The tape 6 is wound upon a magnetic tape reel 7 (sometimes shortened to “reel” hereinafter) contained within the case 2 in a rotatable state, and can be let out from the reel 7 and pulled outside of the case 2 through a tape port (not shown) in the case 2. A metallic lead member (not shown) is affixed to the let-out end of the tape 6, and when the tape cartridge is loaded into a receiving portion of the recording and reproducing apparatus, the lead member is caught by a lead member catching portion of the recording and reproducing apparatus, after which the tape 6 is pulled out and the lead member is attached to a drive reel.

Within the case 2, the reel 7 is biased in the upward direction in FIG. 2 by a spring-shaped elastic member such as a compression coil spring 28 that acts via a shaft 27. This prevents the reel 7 from freely rotating when not in use. Note that a guide post 19 whose outer diameter is less than the inner diameter of the compression coil spring 28 is provided at roughly the center of the base portion of the first container 2 a. The compression coil spring 28 is prevented from falling out of position by inserting the guide post 19 into the inside of the compression coil spring 28.

As shown in FIG. 3, the reel 7 has, for example, a hub portion 7 a serving as a tubular portion onto which tape is wound, a disk-shaped first flange 7 b formed, for example, integrally on one end of the hub portion 7 a, and a second flange 7 c that is, for example, welded to the other end of the hub portion 7 a. The hub portion 7 a is, for example, a substantially cylindrical closed-end body that has a cavity.

A plurality of gear teeth 9 (see FIG. 4) are formed in the external surface 711 of the base portion 71 of the hub portion 7 a in radial form extending toward the outer edge of the hub portion 7 a. The plurality of gear teeth 9 are capable of engaging with a plurality of engagement gear teeth 32 provided with a reel engaging portion 11 of the recording and reproducing apparatus (see FIG. 6).

It is preferable for the plurality of gear teeth 9 to be formed close to the outer edge of the base portion 71 of the hub portion. In this case, the movement distance of the gear teeth 9 in the circumferential direction relative to the rotational angle of the reel 7 is greater, and thus the reel 7 and the reel engaging portion 11 can be kept securely engaged even when the reel 7 is rotated at high speeds. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the external surface 711 of the base portion 71 of the hub portion 7 a is exposed to the exterior of the case 2 via an opening portion 21 b provided with the base of the second container 2 b. The reel 7 is rotated in a state in which the plurality of engagement gear teeth 32 of the reel engaging portion 11 (see FIG. 6) inserted into the case 2 via the opening portion 21 b are engaged with the plurality of gear teeth 9 of the reel 7. When the reel 7 rotates, the tape 6 is taken up onto the reel 7, or let out from the reel 7.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an example of the reel 7 of which the tape cartridge illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is configured, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the same. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a positioning portion 4 is formed in the base portion 71 of the hub portion. This positioning portion 4 is configured of a protrusion (for example, a post) whose height is greater than the height of the plurality of gear teeth 9. The positioning portion 4 is, for example, made from the same material as the hub portion, and is formed integrally with the hub portion when the hub portion is formed.

The shape of the positioning portion 4 is not particularly limited as long as the positioning portion 4 can be fitted with a corresponding positioning portion 12 (mentioned later; see FIGS. 7 and 8) provided with the reel engaging portion and can be smoothly removed from the corresponding positioning portion 12; however, a pin shape can be given as an example of the shape of the positioning portion 4. Furthermore, the shape of the positioning portion 4 may be of a shape that can couple with the corresponding positioning portion 12, as long as a specific gear tooth 9 and a specific engagement gear tooth 32 (see FIG. 6) can be constantly engaged.

As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable for the positioning portion 4 to be formed in the base portion 71 of the reel 7 so as to not be visible when the tape cartridge 1 is viewed from the direction parallel to the outer surface of the wall in which the opening portion 21 b of the case 2 is formed. To put it differently, it is preferable for the height of the positioning portion 4 to be set so that the tip of the positioning portion 4 does not protrude beyond the stated outer surface. This helps prevent the positioning portion 4 from breaking and so on.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, a concave-shaped corresponding positioning portion 12 is provided with the surface of the reel engaging portion 11 of the recording and reproducing apparatus (mentioned later) that faces the external surface 711 of the reel. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drive shaft 16. The drive shaft 16 includes: the reel engaging portion 11; a rotary machine 13 that enables the reel engaging portion to rotate; a rotating shaft 15 that is disposed between the reel engaging portion 11 and the rotary machine 13, is capable of transmitting the rotational motion of the rotary machine 13 to the reel engaging portion 11, and is supported by the rotary machine 13 so as to be capable of vertical movement; and a biasing portion 17 (see FIG. 7) that biases the reel engaging portion 11 and the rotating shaft 15 toward the reel. The rotary machine 13 includes, for example, a motor or the like capable of rotating the reel engaging portion 11.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating the alignment of the reel 7 with the reel engaging portion 11. FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the two are not aligned, whereas FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which the two have been aligned. For the sake of simplicity, the gear teeth and the engagement gear teeth have been omitted from the drawings in FIGS. 7 and 8. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the reel engaging portion 11 is constantly biased toward the reel 7 by the biasing portion 17, which is, for example, a spring-shaped elastic member or the like. In FIG. 7, the positioning portion 4 and the corresponding positioning portion 12 are not aligned, and thus the gear teeth of the reel 7 and the engagement gear teeth of the drive shaft 16 are not engaged with each other. When the reel engaging portion 11 is slowly rotated by the rotary machine 13 via the rotating shaft 15, the positioning portion 4 and the corresponding positioning portion 12 are aligned, and at the same time, the reel engaging portion 11 and the rotating shaft 15 move toward the reel 7 due to the biasing pressure of the biasing portion 17, and part of the rotating shaft 15 that was contained within the rotary machine 13 appears outside of the rotary machine 13. The positioning portion 4 and the corresponding positioning portion 12 then fit or couple together; a specific gear tooth from among the plurality of gear teeth 9 (see FIG. 5) then engages with a specific engagement gear tooth from among the plurality of engagement gear teeth 32 (see FIG. 6), thus engaging the plurality of gear teeth and the plurality of engagement gear teeth with one another. It should be noted that the specific gear tooth is identical to the other gear teeth 9, and the specific engagement gear tooth is identical to the other engagement gear teeth 32.

Although this shall be described later, it should also be noted that when, for example, the reel engaging portion 11 that moves toward the reel 7 is detected by a reel engaging portion position detection portion 70 of the recording and reproducing apparatus (see FIG. 18), the rotation of the reel engaging portion 11 is stopped.

Furthermore, as shall be described later, after the reel engaging portion has been detected by the reel engaging portion position detection portion 70, a control portion 67 that has recognized this sends a signal for stopping the rotation to a rotary machine 65 (see FIG. 18). It therefore takes a predetermined amount of time for the rotary machine 65 to stop after the reel engaging portion has been detected by the reel engaging portion position detection portion. If, for example, the rotational speed of the rotary machine 65 is reduced to a point at which this predetermined amount of time can be ignored, the alignment and engagement of the specific gear tooth and the specific engagement gear tooth is possible (see FIG. 18).

Rather than reducing the rotational speed of the rotary machine 65, the alignment of the specific gear tooth 9 and the specific engagement gear tooth 32 may be carried out, for example, as follows.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the reel and the state of aligning the reel with the corresponding reel engaging portion, according to the present embodiment. For the sake of simplicity, the gear teeth and the engagement gear teeth have been omitted from the drawing in FIG. 9. In this example, the concave surface of the corresponding positioning portion 12 has a stepped structure in which the center is deeper than the surrounding edge, and the corresponding positioning portion 12 has a receptive recess 12 a into which the positioning portion 4 can fit or couple and a step portion 12 b located around the receptive recess 12 a. In the case where the corresponding positioning portion 12 has such a structure, the reel engaging portion 11 is constantly biased toward the reel 7 by the biasing portion, and thus when the positioning portion 4 and the step portion 12 b face each other, the reel engaging portion 11 commences movement toward the reel 7. If the reel engaging portion 11 is detected by the reel engaging portion position detection portion 70 at this stage, a longer amount of control time can be secured for stopping the rotation of the reel engaging portion 11. Accordingly, the positioning portion and the corresponding positioning portion can be fitted or coupled together with precision at a higher rotational speed of the reel engaging portion 11 than in the case where the shape of the corresponding positioning portion 12 is approximately correspondent to the shape of the positioning portion 4 (see FIGS. 7, 8, and so on).

In this manner, if the specific gear tooth and the specific engagement gear tooth can be constantly engaged in the repeated engagement of the reel engaging portion 11 and the reel 7, the attitude, position, and the like of the reel 7 while engaged with the reel engaging portion 11 always remains constant. Differences in the attitude, position, and so on of the reel 7 within the case 2 that occur each time the reel engaging portion 11 and the reel 7 are engaged due to the formation error and the like of the gear teeth 9 and/or the engagement gear teeth 32 can therefore be suppressed. As a result, instability in the running position of the magnetic tape 6 can be suppressed. This in turn suppresses damage dealt to the tape due to its edge coming into contact with the flange, and suppresses the occurrence of errors during loading and the like.

Although the positioning portion 4 may be made from the same material as the hub portion and formed integrally with the hub portion, the positioning portion 4 may also be formed from a material that is harder than the material of the hub portion. This prevents the positioning portion 4 from being shaved down in the case where the reel engaging portion 11 is made of metal. In such a case, the positioning portion 4 may be formed through the insert molding method, or may be affixed to the hub portion through the multi-material molding method. Alternatively, the positioning portion 4 may be fitted and anchored to the hub portion. For the sake of simplicity, the gear teeth have been omitted from the drawings in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

The position at which the positioning portion 4 is formed is not particularly limited as long as the positioning portion 4 can be fitted or coupled with the corresponding positioning portion 12 and the specific gear tooth and the specific engagement gear tooth engage with each other when the positioning portion 4 and the corresponding positioning portion 12 are fitted or coupled with each other. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the positioning portion 4 may be formed on the outer side of the plurality of gear teeth 9. In this case, the movement distance of the positioning portion 4 in the circumferential direction relative to the rotational angle of the reel is greater, and therefore the rotation of the reel can be more accurately controlled. To be more specific, when, for example, the reel 7 is provided with a flange 7 c extending in the radial direction from the outer periphery of the hub portion 7 a, the positioning portion 4 may be formed in the flange 7 c.

With respect to the reel 7 illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, it is preferable for the reel engaging portion 11 of which the drive shaft is configured to further include, for example, a collar portion 11 a having a flat surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, and for the corresponding positioning portion 12 to be formed in the collar portion 11 a in a position corresponding to the positioning portion, as shown in, for example, FIG. 12. For the sake of simplicity, the engagement gear teeth have been omitted from the drawing in FIG. 12. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the plurality of gear teeth 9 may be formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the hub portion 7 a.

FIG. 13A is a frontal schematic diagram of another example of a reel, and FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface of the reel illustrated in FIG. 13A. For the sake of simplicity, the plurality of gear teeth have been omitted from the drawings in FIGS. 13S and 13B.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the reel 7 may include a plurality of positioning portions 4 almost identical in shape, disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, or disposed with a symmetrical position relationship that takes the center of the base portion of the hub portion 7 a when the external surface of the base portion is viewed from the front as the center of symmetry. In this case, two specific engagement gear teeth can engage with a single specific gear tooth. The specific gear tooth and the specific engagement gear teeth may therefore be in a one-to-many relationship rather than a one-to-one relationship. Because the number of engagement gear teeth capable of engaging with the specific gear tooth is limited in the repeated engagement of the reel engaging portion and the reel, instability in the running position of the magnetic tape can be suppressed in this case as well. Although the number of positioning portions 4 is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention can be achieved, approximately one to four positioning portions 4 are suitable.

In this manner, in the case where the reel 7 includes a plurality of positioning portions 4, the reel engaging portion is required to have a corresponding positioning portion capable of fitting or coupling with any of the positioning portions 4.

FIG. 14A is a frontal schematic diagram of another example of a reel, and FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface of the reel illustrated in FIG. 14A. For the sake of simplicity, the plurality of gear teeth have been omitted from the drawings in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the positioning portion 4 is configured of a plurality of protrusions 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c disposed in an irregular manner. The plurality of protrusions 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c are disposed, for example, in an asymmetrical relationship with one another, a relationship in which the protrusions are not at equal intervals, or a relationship in which the protrusions are at different distances from the center of the outer surface of the base portion of the hub portion. The plurality of protrusions 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c may have different shapes from one another, in addition to or rather than being disposed irregularly. The number of protrusions is not particularly limited. Because the reel illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B has a single positioning portion 4, the specific gear teeth and specific engagement gear teeth are in a one-to-one relationship. The reel engaging portion 11 has a corresponding positioning portion 12 configured of a plurality of recesses, and the recesses are required to be formed in locations and shapes corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c.

FIG. 15B is a frontal schematic diagram of yet another example of a reel, and FIG. 15B is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface of the reel illustrated in FIG. 15A. For the sake of simplicity, the plurality of gear teeth have been omitted from the drawings in FIGS. 15A and 15B. As illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the plurality of gear teeth 9 are formed within regions 14 that are spaced out at intervals in the circumferential direction. A positioning portion 4 configured of a plurality of protrusions 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c is formed in the outer surface of the base portion of the hub portion. Each of the protrusions 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c is formed so as not to fall on straight lines that connect the center of the outer surface of the base portion of the hub portion 7 a with the gear teeth 9. This case allows the formation precision of the hub portion, which is formed through a formation method such as injection molding or the like, to be increased, for the reasons described hereinafter, and is thus preferable.

When the hub portion is formed through a method such as injection molding, it is preferable for the resin material to be injected smoothly across the entirety of the metal mold used for the injection molding, in order to increase the molding precision of the hub portion. The resin material first flows from a gate in the injection mold into a place in the injection mold that will roughly become the center of the outer surface of the base portion of the hub portion; the resin material then flows outward in all directions, spreading throughout the injection mold. If each of the protrusions that make up the positioning portion 4 is formed so as not to fall on straight lines that pass through the center of the outer surface of the base portion of the hub portion and the gear teeth 9, the negative influence effected upon the formation of the gear teeth 9 by disturbances in the flow of the resin material arising due to the presence of indentations in the mold corresponding to the stated protrusions can be reduced. Therefore, a reel that includes the positioning portion 4 can be formed without a drop in the formation precision of the hub portion.

It is preferable for the plurality of regions 14 to be spaced out at even intervals in the circumferential direction, from the standpoint of ensuring a stable engagement. Moreover, it is preferable for the number of regions 14 to be three or more, from the standpoint of ensuring a strong engagement.

In this manner, if the number of teeth can be reduced and the formation precision of the gear teeth 9 can be improved while securing a sufficient engagement strength between the reel engaging portion 11 and the reel 7, tilting and so on of the reel 7 can be suppressed when the reel 7 and the reel engaging portion 11 are engaged, making it possible to ensure that the magnetic tape is running in a desired state. To be more specific, twists and the like in the magnetic tape during running, arising due to tilting and so on of the reel 7, can be suppressed.

It is also preferable, in the case where the reel 7 includes a plurality of positioning portions 4 as with the example illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, for each positioning portion to be formed so as not to fall on straight lines that pass through the center of the outer surface of the base portion of the hub portion and the gear teeth, from the standpoint of suppressing a decrease in the formation precision of the hub portion 7 a.

Although each of the positioning portions 4 in the examples described using FIGS. 1 through 15A is configured of one or more protrusions (for example, posts), it should be noted that the positioning portion 4 may be a recess, as shown in FIG. 16, and that there may be one or more of these recesses. In this case, the corresponding positioning portion 12 is required to be one or more protrusions that can fit or couple with the stated recesses. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, the positioning portion 4 may be configured of one or more recesses 4 a and one or more protrusions 4 b. In this case, the corresponding positioning portion 12 is required to be configured of a protrusion 12 c that can fit or couple with the stated recess 4 a and a recess 12 d that can fit or couple with the stated protrusion 4 b.

Embodiment 2

In Embodiment 2, an example of a recording and reproducing apparatus of the present invention and an example of an information recording and reproducing method of the present invention shall be described.

As shown in FIG. 18, the recording and reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment includes a receiving portion 61, a drive shaft 600, a drive reel 63, a magnetic head unit 64, an external input portion 68, a control portion 67, a lead member catching portion 69, and a reel engaging portion position detection portion 70. The drive shaft 600 includes a rotary machine 65, a rotary shaft 66, a reel engaging portion 62, and a biasing portion 71.

The receiving portion 61 allows the tape cartridge of Embodiment 1 to be housed. The functionality and configuration of the receiving portion 61 may be identical to those of a conventional recording and reproducing apparatus; the receiving portion 61 has a configuration and functionality for, for example, recognizing when the tape cartridge 100 has been loaded into the receiving portion 61 and notifying the control portion 67 thereof. In addition, the receiving portion 61 has a configuration and functionality for recognizing, via the control portion 67, a command to eject the tape cartridge 100 made through the external input portion 68, and for executing that command.

The drive shaft 600 receives an instruction from the control portion 67, engages the reel engaging portion 62 with a reel 107, and is capable oft for example, lifting the reel 107 within the case to a position that is aligned with a drive system of a drive. The reel engaging portion 62 can be rotated by the rotary machine 65, which has received an instruction from the control portion 67, in the direction that lets out tape or the direction that takes up tape, via the rotary shaft 66.

The rotary machine 65 receives an instruction signal from the control portion 67, and rotates the reel engaging portion 62 via the rotary shaft 66. The rotary machine 65 doubles as a rotary machine that rotates the reel engaging portion 62 during the recording/reproducing of information.

The lead member catching portion 69 is capable of catching a lead member within the tape cartridge 100, pulling out the tape, and setting the lead member in the drive reel 63, based on an instruction from the control portion 67. Furthermore, the lead member catching portion 69 is capable of releasing the lead member based on an instruction from the control portion 67.

The drive reel 63 is capable of taking up tape 106 supplied by the tape cartridge 100. The functionality and configuration of the drive reel 63 may be, for example, identical to those of a conventional recording and reproducing apparatus. The drive reel 63 is capable of rotating in the direction that takes up the tape 106 or in the direction that lets out the tape 106, through a rotary machine the drive reel 63 includes.

The reel engaging portion position detection portion 70 is capable of detecting the reel engaging portion 62, and has a configuration and functionality for sending the obtained detection signal to the control portion 67. To be more specific, the reel engaging portion position detection portion 70 includes, for example, a sensor provided with a light receiving unit and a light emitting unit, and can detect the presence/absence of the reel engaging portion 62 in a predetermined position by monitoring, using the light receiving unit, a change in reflected light of light emitted by the light emitting unit.

The functionality and configuration of the magnetic head unit 64 may be, for example, identical to those of a conventional recording and reproducing apparatus, and the magnetic head unit 64 is capable of recording information onto the tape 106 of the tape cartridge 100 and reproducing information recorded onto the tape 106 of the tape cartridge 100.

Meanwhile, the functionality and configuration of the external input portion 68 may be, for example, identical to those of a conventional recording and reproducing apparatus, and the external input portion 68 is manipulated by a user in order to provide instructions to the control portion 67 to record information onto the tape 106, reproducing information that has been recorded onto the tape 106, eject the tape cartridge from the recording and reproducing apparatus, or the like.

Next, an example of operations performed by the recording and reproducing apparatus of the present invention shall be described using FIGS. 18 through 20.

As shown in FIG. 18, first, when the tape cartridge 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 61, the receiving portion 61 recognizes that the tape cartridge 100 has been loaded, and notifies the control portion 67 of this via a signal (S1). This recognition can be executed through, for example, a sensor (see FIG. 19).

Next, having received an instruction signal from the control portion 67, the receiving portion 61 brings the cartridge 100 close to the drive shaft 600, and brings a positioning portion 104 of the reel 107 into contact with the reel engaging portion 62, pushing the reel engaging portion 62 down for a predetermined length (see FIGS. 20A to 20C). Meanwhile, a signal for instructing the detection of the reel engaging portion 62 to commence is sent from the control portion 67 to the reel engaging portion position detection portion 70. If the positioning portion 104 and a corresponding positioning portion 112 are not fitted or coupled, or in other words, if the signal indicating that the reel engaging portion 62 has been detected by the reel engaging portion position detection portion 70 has not been received by the control portion 67, a signal for rotating the reel engaging portion 62 is sent from the control portion 67 to the rotary machine 65. The sending of this signal may be set in the control portion 67 to occur when the detection signal has not been received from the reel engaging portion position detection portion 70 even after a predetermined amount of time has passed after the signal instructing the cartridge 100 to be brought closer to the drive shaft 600 was sent from the control portion 67 to the receiving portion 61. The reel engaging portion 62 continues to be biased by the biasing portion 71 toward the reel 107. The recognition by the control portion 67 of whether or not fitting or coupling has occurred and the rotation of the reel engaging portion 62 by the rotary machine 65 are continuously carried out until the detection signal is received by the control portion 67. When the reel engaging portion 62 is detected by the reel engaging portion position detection portion 70, the positioning portion 104 and the corresponding positioning portion 112 are fitted or coupled together, the specific gear tooth and the specific engagement gear tooth are engaged (see FIGS. 20D and 20E), and the plurality of gear teeth and the plurality of engagement gear teeth are engaged, in synchronization with the stated detection (S2).

Note that after the reel engaging portion 62 has been detected by the reel engaging portion position detection portion 70, the detection signal indicating that the reel engaging portion 62 has been detected is sent to the control portion 67. Having recognized this, the control portion 67 sends a signal for stopping the rotation to the rotary machine 65, whereby the rotation of the rotary machine 65 is stopped; however, the rotational speed of the rotary machine 65 may, for example, be decreased to a speed whereby the control time required to stop the stated rotation can be ignored.

Next, a signal instructing the drive shaft 600, the drive reel 63, and the lead member catching portion 69 to enter a standby state is sent from the control portion 67 to each of those elements. The control portion 67 may, for example, be set so that the stated signal that instructs the standby state is sent to the stated elements after a predetermined amount of time has passed following the sending of the stated signal instructing the rotation to stop. Having received this signal, the drive shaft 600 lifts the reel 107 within the case to a position along the drive system of the drive.

Next, when the lead member within the tape cartridge 100 is caught by the lead member catching portion 69, part of the tape is pulled out, and the lead member is set in the drive reel 63, the rotary machine 65 and the drive reel 63 simultaneously begin to rotate, and a predetermined length of tape 106 is taken out from the reel 107. The predetermined length of tape that has been taken out is taken up by the drive reel 63, and the tape cartridge 100 then enters an external input standby state. The control portion 67 may be set so that a standby state instruction signal (a rotation instruction signal is sent to the rotary machine 65 and the rotary machine of the drive reel 63 after the amount of time necessary to set the lead member in the drive reel 63 has passed (S3).

Next, when, for example, an instruction to record or reproduce information is made using the external input portion 68 (S4), that instruction signal is sent to the rotary machine 65, the drive reel 63, and the magnetic head unit 64 via the control portion 67. The rotary machine 65 then rotates in the direction that lets out the tape 106, and the drive reel 63 rotates in the direction that takes up the tape 106 that has been let out. The magnetic head unit 64 then begins recording information to or reproducing information from the tape 106 (S5).

Next, when a recording or reproducing stop instruction has been made using the external input portion 68, that instruction signal is sent to the rotary machine 65, the drive reel 63, and the magnetic head unit 64 via the control portion 67. The rotary machine 65 and the drive reel 63 then stop rotating, and the recording/reproducing performed by the magnetic head unit 64 is stopped. As a result, the recording and reproducing apparatus and the tape cartridge 100 once again enter the external input standby state (S6 and S7).

Next, an instruction to eject the tape cartridge 100 is made using the external input portion 68 (S8), and that instruction signal is sent to the drive shaft 600 and the drive reel 63 by the control portion 67. The rotary machine 65 and the drive reel 63 then rotate, completely taking up the tape 106 onto the reel 107. When the tape 106 has been completely taken up, the lead member catching portion 69 simultaneously releases the lead member, and the lead member is returned to its predetermined position within the cartridge.

When the lead member is released by the lead member catching portion 69, the drive shaft 600 receives an engagement release signal sent by the control portion 67, after which the drive shaft 600 moves away from the reel 107, thereby releasing the engagement of the reel engaging portion 62 and the reel 107. The tape cartridge is then discharged from the receiving portion 61 (S9). The control portion 67 may be set so that a tape cartridge discharge signal is sent to the receiving portion 61 after the amount of time required to release the engagement of the reel engaging portion 62 and the reel 107 has passed.

In Embodiment 1, a tape cartridge provided with a single reel is given as an example of the tape cartridge of the present invention, but the tape cartridge of the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto, and may include two reels. In such a case, the recording and reproducing apparatus need not be provided with a drive reel.

As described thus far, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide, with respect to the repeated engagement of a reel engaging portion and a reel, a reel capable of suppressing unevenness in the attitude, position, and the like of the reel when the reel engaging portion and the reel are engaged, a tape cartridge that uses such a reel, a recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing information in the tape cartridge, an information recording and reproducing method for the recording and reproducing apparatus, and a positioning mechanism for engaging the reel engaging portion of the recording and reproducing apparatus with the magnetic tape reel.

The present invention can suppress instability in the running position of magnetic tape) and therefore can suppress the chance of damage such as folded edges being dealt to the tape; the present invention can therefore suppress the occurrence of errors during loading and the like. Accordingly, the present invention is useful in the fields of magnetic tape reels, magnetic tape cartridges, recording and reproducing apparatuses, and information recording and reproducing methods.

The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A magnetic tape reel that has a plurality of gear teeth capable of engaging with a plurality of engagement gear teeth provided with a reel engaging portion of a recording and reproducing apparatus and upon which magnetic tape can be wound, the reel comprising: a hub portion including a cylindrical portion upon which the magnetic tape can be wound and the plurality of gear teeth; and a positioning portion composed of at least one of a recess and a protrusion and provided for aligning a specific gear tooth from the plurality of gear teeth with a specific engagement gear tooth from the plurality of engagement gear teeth.
 2. The magnetic tape reel according to claim 1, wherein the hub portion is a substantially cylindrical closed-end body that has a base portion provided on one end of the cylindrical portion; and the plurality of gear teeth is formed on the outer surface of the base portion.
 3. The magnetic tape reel according to claim 2, wherein the positioning portion is a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the base portion and whose height is higher than the plurality of gear teeth.
 4. The magnetic tape reel according to claim 3, wherein the positioning portion is configured of a plurality of the protrusions, and the protrusions are disposed irregularly.
 5. The magnetic tape reel according to claim 3, wherein the positioning portion is configured of a plurality of the protrusions, and the protrusions have shapes that are different from one another.
 6. The magnetic tape reel according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is formed so as not to fall on a straight line that passes through the center of the outer surface of the base portion of the hub portion and the gear teeth as seen when the outer surface of the base portion of the hub portion is viewed from above.
 7. The magnetic tape reel according to claim 1, including a plurality of the positioning portions.
 8. The magnetic tape reel according to claim 2, wherein the positioning portion is formed so as not to fall on a straight line that passes through the center of the outer surface of the base portion of the hub portion and the gear teeth as seen when the outer surface of the base portion of the hub portion is viewed from above.
 9. The magnetic tape reel according to claim 1, further comprising: a flange extending in the radial direction from the outer periphery of the hub portion, wherein the positioning portion is provided with the flange.
 10. A tape cartridge comprising: the magnetic tape reel according to claim 1; magnetic tape wound upon the magnetic tape reel; and a case that has a space for housing the magnetic tape reel and the magnetic tape and that has an opening portion that enables the plurality of gear teeth of the magnetic tape reel to be exposed to the exterior of the case.
 11. The tape cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the hub portion is a substantially cylindrical closed-end body that has a base portion provided on one end of the cylindrical portion; the plurality of gear teeth is formed on the outer surface of the base portion; and the positioning portion is a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the base portion and whose height is higher than the plurality of gear teeth, and is formed so as not to be visible when the tape cartridge is viewed from the direction parallel to the outer surface of the wall in which the opening portion of the case is formed.
 12. A recording and reproducing apparatus for recording information onto and reproducing information from the tape cartridge according to claim 10, the device comprising: a receiving portion that allows the tape cartridge to be housed; a magnetic head unit capable of recording information onto the magnetic tape and reproducing information that has been recorded onto the magnetic tape; a reel engaging portion that has a plurality of engagement gear teeth capable of engaging with the plurality of gear teeth provided with the magnetic tape reel; a corresponding positioning portion provided with the reel engaging portion and capable of fitting or coupling with the positioning portion of the magnetic tape reel; a rotary machine capable of rotating the reel engaging portion; a rotational shaft disposed between the reel engaging portion and the rotary machine, capable of transmitting rotational movement caused by the rotary machine to the reel engaging portion, and supported by the rotary machine so as to be capable of elevating and descending; and a biasing portion that biases the reel engaging portion toward the reel, wherein the corresponding positioning portion is provided with the reel engaging portion such that the specific gear tooth and the specific engagement gear tooth engage when the corresponding positioning portion and the positioning portion are fitted or coupled to each other.
 13. An information recording and reproducing method for recording information onto and reproducing information from the tape cartridge according to claim 10, the method comprising the steps of: engaging the specific gear tooth with the specific engagement gear tooth by fitting or coupling the positioning portion with the corresponding positioning portion; and recording information onto the magnetic tape or reproducing information that has been recorded onto the magnetic tape.
 14. A positioning mechanism for engaging a specific engagement gear tooth from a plurality of engagement gear teeth provided with a reel engaging portion of a recording and reproducing apparatus with a specific gear tooth from a plurality of gear teeth provided with a magnetic tape reel upon which magnetic tape can be wound, wherein the magnetic tape reel includes a positioning portion composed of at least one of a recess and a protrusion; the reel engaging portion includes a corresponding positioning portion composed of at least one of a recess and a protrusion that can fit or couple with the positioning portion; and the specific engagement gear tooth and the specific gear tooth engage by the positioning portion and the corresponding positioning portion fitting or coupling with each other. 